History of Yonsei

The history of Yonsei University began on April 10th, 1885, as Korea’s first modern hospital "Gwanghyewon." Two weeks after opening, King Kojong gave Gwanghyewon a new name - "Chejungwon." Gwanghyewon was established by a medical missionary, Horace N. Allen. Prior to opening, missionary Horace G. Underwood visited Korea, assisting in medical treatment at Chejungwon while starting his work in education and missionary activities. These two missionaries' work that is based in Chejungwon has become the foundation of Yonsei.Since then, works related to medicine were institutionalized to become what was initially the Severance Medical College and later Severance Hospital and Severance Medical School. Meanwhile, in education, what was initially known as Underwood School, Gyeongsin School, and later Yonhi College became Yonhi University. Yonhi and Severance supported the independence and modernization of Korea during Japanese colonization and at times of crises. As a university, it also bore the responsibility to democratize and modernize the country after the Korean War.

1885 April 10Gwanghyewon, Korea’s first western hospital, isestablished as a royal medical institution

In 1957, Yonhi University and Severance Medical School merged to become Yonsei University. After the merging, Yonsei University grew to become one of the best universities in Korea. It became the driving force behind Korea’s economic and political growth, and it also continues to spearhead university education and research.
This Yonsei spirit and academic tradition also took roots in Wonju. First opened as the Wonju Campus Medical School in 1978, it expanded to establish itself as a university, and it grew into one of Gangwon region’s leading campuses since moving to Maeji-ri in 1984.
The opening of an international campus in Songdo, Incheon, in 2010 was the first step for Yonsei University to become a world-class education and research powerhouse. Through decentralization and collaboration among its campuses (Sinchon, Health System, Wonju, International), Yonsei is committed to contributing to the development of mankind and society by leading creative changes and to build a new history.

1957 January 5Reconfiguration into aModern University and Innovative Restructuring(1957 - 1979)

1957 March 25Dr. Nak Jun Baek was appointed as the president andDr. HyunBae Choi, Dr. Myung Sun Kim were appointedas vice-presidents of Yonsei University.

Left: Dr. Nak Jun Baek, The first president ofYonsei University (1895-1985)Right: President Baek’s inauguration

1962 June 5Dedication of the College of Medicine and Nursing faculty and students’ dormitories and Severance Hospital after moving to Sinchon Campus from Seoul Railway Station area.

(Courtesy of China Medical Board of USA andthe 8th corps of US forces in Korea)

Severance at Sinchon in 1960s

1978 OctoberWonju Campus of Yonsei University was established andthe Department of Public Health was founded.